Although Guilin's weather makes it suitable for traveling all year round, the best time to visit Guilin is from April until November. This period offers milder weather, better views, and more opportunities for outdoor activities.
Still, the best time to visit Guilin could vary depending on your interests and needs. This article may bring up suitable travel-date options for different preferences and interests, as well as seasonal travel tips.
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- The Best Time for Pleasant Weather
- The Best Time to Enjoy the Natural Beauty
- The Best Time for Water Activities
- What is the Worst Time to Visit Guilin
The Best Time for Pleasant Weather: September to November
The Harvest Month of Longji TerracesIf you are looking for sunny with mild weather, the autumn months from September to November are the best choices.
The weather would not be your main concern. The temperatures average 17–26°C (63–79°F), and the large temperature difference between day and night often results in ethereal morning mist clinging to the rivers and forests, which is an absolutely breathtaking sight for early risers.
This is also the prime season to witness the stunning golden terraces of Longsheng. You should aim for late September to mid-October (just before harvest) for the most vibrant landscapes.
In Yangshuo, you could cycle around the countryside with the cool breeze, and appreciate the setting sun while enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner on a riverside lawn.
Travel tips:
If your travel time falls in October, avoid China's National Day holiday, normally the first week of October, which is the peak time to travel in China. It means swarming crowds, long queues, higher prices, and harder to buy tickets, which would detract from your travel experience and may leave you with bad memories.
However, if your travel time is rather fixed, contact us at China Highlights. We would try our best to craft a smooth itinerary to suit your needs and help you achieve better prices and travel experiences.
The Best Time to Enjoy the Natural Beauty: March to May, September to November
Karst Hills in Misty Days, Yangshuo, GuilinGuilin is a world-renowned destination that offers stunning natural scenery all year round.
While the autumn season (September–November) offers golden harvest scenery, spring (March–May) is best for the misty landscapes, with the average daily temperature ranging from 17–24°C (63–75°F).
In spring, the best way to enjoy Guilin's karst scenery is to take a Li River Cruise. With the drizzling rain and mist, the peaks, waters, and villages along the Li River seem to be adorned with a thin pastel layer, having blurred outlines and soft colors and best resembling a traditional Chinese painting.
Travel tips:
March and April are a good time for admiring the seas of golden rapeseed flowers in full bloom across the countryside. These months also offer more dry days compared to May.
Rainfall increases significantly in May, especially after early May, bringing higher humidity and frequent showers. So we suggest avoiding May if possible.
But if your travel dates are fixed in May, you should focus on Guilin's rich cultural experiences, such as making osmanthus-scented perfume and learning calligraphy, May could also be a good time for a trip.
The Best Time for Water Activities: June to August
Play SUP with Your Families in Summer, Yangshuo, GuilinFor outdoor enthusiasts and families with school-aged children, summer from June to August could be the best time.
Though temperatures average 28°C (82°F) with blazing sun, Guilin offers enjoyable water activities, such as paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, and bamboo rafting, along with numerous indoor cultural experiences, such as making paper fans and writing Chinese calligraphy.
Among the summer months, June is often the best choice. Days are cooler, and places are less crowded. Early June still sees constant rains, which makes mid to late June more ideal. Summer rain is common, but it's usually quick showers early in the morning or evening, which have little impact on well-planned itineraries.
Travel tips:
Summer is the peak season with big crowds, long lines, and higher prices. Remember to book your hotel and flights at least three months early for the best prices, and visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
To escape the summer heat, you could opt for activities such as exploring karst caves and playing on the Yulong River with your family. Nighttime activities are also vibrant, such as watching the Impression of Liu Sanjie riverside show and strolling around the lively West Street at night.
No matter when you visit, we will carefully customize your itinerary to balance the interests of your family and create quality family time without hassles. Contact us now.
What is the Worst Time to Visit Guilin: December to February
Guilin in WinterThe winter season from December to February is the worst time to visit Guilin, which is cool and humid, with occasional rains and gloomy skies. The average daily temperature ranges between 7–15°C (45–55°F).
This is also the dry season for the Li River. You might see lower water levels (sometimes exposing the riverbed) and plants look dry, with rainy days and chilly weather. While you might get some sunny days in early December or around Chinese New Year (from the end of January to the beginning of February), there are variations each year, and it's quite difficult to predict.
However, the issues encountered during the worst times could be minimized through flexible planning and an optimistic mind. That's what we could do for you by creating your hassle-free trip.
Travel tips:
On the bright side, winter is the off-season in Guilin, making it perfect for budget travelers. So, if you prefer a quieter season and discover the main attractions without queues, this could be your best time.
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